BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The ability to reduce the surface tension of water is of great importance in waterborne
coatings, inks, adhesives, and agricultural formulations because decreased surface
tension translates into enhanced substrate wetting in actual formulations. Surface
tension reduction in water-based systems is generally achieved through the addition
of surfactants. Performance attributes resulting from the addition of surfactants
include enhanced surface coverage, fewer defects, and more uniform distribution. Equilibrium
surface tension performance is important when the system is at rest. However, the
ability to reduce surface tension under dynamic conditions is of great importance
in applications where high surface creation rates are utilized. Examples of such applications
are spraying of coatings or agricultural formulations, and high speed gravure or ink-jet
printing. Dynamic surface tension is a measure of the ability of a surfactant to reduce
surface tension and provide wetting under such high speed application conditions.
[0002] Traditional nonionic surfactants such as alkylphenol or alcohol ethoxylates, and
ethylene oxide (EO) propylene oxide (PO) copolymers have excellent equilibrium surface
tension performance, but are generally characterized as having poor dynamic surface
tension reduction. In contrast, certain anionic surfactants such as sodium dialkyl
sulfosuccinates provide good dynamic results, but are very foamy and impart water
sensitivity to the finished coating.
[0003] The importance of reducing equilibrium and dynamic surface tension in applications
such as coatings, inks, and agricultural formulations is well-appreciated in the art.
Low dynamic surface tension is particularly important in the application of waterborne
coatings. An article by J. Schwartz, entitled "The Importance of Low Dynamic Surface
Tension in Waterborne Coatings," in
Journal of Coatings Technology, September 1992, vol. 64, pages 65-74, provides a discussion of surface tension properties
in waterborne coatings. Equilibrium and dynamic surface tension are evaluated for
several surface active agents. At a concentration of 0.1% in distilled water, the
dynamic surface tension ranges from a low of about 32 to a high of 72 dynes per centimeter.
It is pointed out that low dynamic surface tension is an important factor in achieving
superior film formation in waterborne coatings. Dynamic coating application methods
require surfactants with low dynamic surface tensions in order to prevent defects
such as retraction, craters, and foam.
[0004] Efficient application of agricultural products is also highly dependent on the dynamic
surface tension properties of the formulation. An article by W. Wirth, S. Storp, and
W. Jacobsen, entitled "Mechanisms Controlling Leaf Retention of Agricultural Spray
Solutions" in
Pestic. Sci., 1991, vol. 33, pages 411-420, provides information on the relationship between the
dynamic surface tension of agricultural formulations and the ability of these formulations
to be retained on a leaf. These workers observed a good correlation between retention
values and dynamic surface tension; i.e., more effective retention formulations exhibited
low dynamic surface tension.
[0005] Low dynamic surface tension is also important in high-speed printing, as discussed
in an article by S. W. Medina and M. N. Sutovich, entitled "Using Surfactants to Formulate
VOC Compliant Waterbased Inks," in
American Ink Maker, 1994, vol.72 (No.2), pages 32-38. The authors state that equilibrium surface tension
(EST) is pertinent to ink systems at rest, but are not good indicators of performance
in the dynamic, high speed printing environment under which the ink is used. Dynamic
surface tension is reported as a more appropriate property. The dynamic measurement
is an indicator of the ability of the surfactant to migrate to a newly created ink/substrate
interface to provide wetting during high speed printing.
[0006] U. S. 5,098,478 (Krishnan, et al., 1992) discloses water-based ink compositions that
have a dynamic surface tension of about 25 to 40 dynes/cm in order to reduce printability
problems.
[0007] U. S. 5,562,762 (Mrvos, et al., 1996) discloses effective surfactants for jet inks.
The inks, in which the surfactants are used, are reported to have a static surface
tension of less than 40 dynes/cm and a dynamic surface tension of about 65 dynes/cm,
and display cohesive ink placement during use.
[0008] A wide variety of substituted cyclic ureas are known. For example, Nomura et al.,
Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 1987, vol. 26, pages 1056-1059, disclose an effective catalyst for making cyclic
ureas from carbonylation of diamines. The cyclic ureas are reported to be useful in
a variety of applications; for example, as intermediates for medicines and resins,
and as chemotherapeutic agents, delignification reagents, and in cosmetics.
[0009] US 3,876,657 (Aelony
et al., 1975) discloses preparation of 1-substituted-2-imidazolidinones. This class of compounds
is recognized to have utility as bactericides, central nervous system depressants,
plant growth promoters, female fly sterilants, adhesives, textile treating agents,
and as monomers for deriving polymers and copolymers.
[0010] Naumov et al (translated article published in
Khimiya Geteotsiki. Soedin. 1973, vol. 1, pages 90-93) disclose the synthesis of N-acyl and N-alkyl-substituted
ethyleneurea. These materials are reported to be useful as biologically active compounds
and many find practical application in pesticides.
[0011] Reports of alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic ureas are few and there are no known reports
of alkylated aminoalkyl ureas having utility as surface tension reducing agents in
water. In fact, Kanetani, et al., in
Nippon Kagaku Kaishi, 1983, No.1, pages 107-111 (Chemical Abstracts, abstract # 98:145450e), disclose the
conversion of N-alkylated aminoethylimidazolidinones to the propane sulfonic acid
derivatives in order to make useful surfactants.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] This invention is directed to novel alkyl aminoalkyl cyclic urea compounds of the
structural formula:

wherein m, n, and o are independently 1 or 2, p is 0 or 1, R
1 is C
1 to C
4 linear or branched alkyl, R
2 is C
4 to C
10 linear or branched alkyl, or, alternately, CHR
1R
2 forms a C
6 to C
12 substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl. These novel alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic
urea compounds reduce equilibrium and dynamic surface tension in water-based formulations,
particularly coating, ink, and agricultural formulations. It is desirable that an
aqueous solution of the alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic urea demonstrates a dynamic surface
tension of less than 45 dynes/cm at a concentration of 5 wt % or less in water at
23 °C and 1 bubble/second according to the maximum-bubble-pressure method. The maximum-bubble-pressure
method of measuring surface tension is described in an article by Karol J. Mysels,
Langmuir, 1986, vol. 2, pages 428-432.
[0013] This invention is also directed to a method of lowering equilibrium and dynamic surface
tension of water-based formulations by incorporation of one or more of the above described
alkyl aminoalkyl cyclic urea compounds.
[0014] This invention is also directed to a method for applying a water-based inorganic
or organic compound-containing composition to a surface to partially or fully coat
the surface with the water-based composition; wherein the water-based composition
contains an effective amount of one or more alkyl aminoalkyl cyclic urea compounds
of the above structure, for reducing the dynamic surface tension of the water-based
composition.
[0015] There are significant advantages associated with the use of the novel alkyl aminoalkyl
cyclic urea compounds in water-based coatings, inks, and agricultural formulations
and these advantages include:
- an ability to formulate water-borne coatings, inks, and agricultural formulations
which may be applied to a variety of substrates with excellent wetting of substrate
surfaces including contaminated and low energy surfaces;
- an ability to provide a reduction in coating or printing defects such as orange peel
and flow/leveling deficiencies;
- an ability to produce water-borne coatings and inks which have low volatile organic
content, thus making these surfactants environmentally favorable; and
- an ability to formulate coating and ink compositions capable of high speed application.
[0016] Because of their excellent surfactant properties and low foam characteristics, these
novel compounds are likely to find applicability in applications in which reduction
in dynamic and equilibrium surface tension and low foam are important. Such applications
include various wet-processing textile operations, such as dyeing of fibers, fiber
souring, and kier boiling, where low-foaming properties are particularly advantageous.
They may also have applicability in soaps, water-based perfumes, shampoos, and various
detergents where their marked ability to lower surface tension, and, at the same time,
produce substantially no foam are highly desirable.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The novel alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic urea compounds of this invention has the structure:

wherein m, n, and o are independently 1 or 2, p is 0 or 1, R
1 is C
1 to C
4 linear or branched alkyl, R
2 is C
4 to C
10 linear or branched alkyl, or, alternately, CHR
1R
2 forms a C
6 to C
12 substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl. Preferably, each of m and n is 1, p is 0,
R
1 is methyl and R
2 is isoamyl. Compounds of this invention can be prepared by reacting an excess of
a suitable polyamine with urea followed by recovery of the excess unreacted polyamine
and reductive alkylation of the aminoalkyl cyclic urea with a suitable aldehyde or
ketone.

This is the preferred route for commercial production.
[0018] Examples of suitable R
1 alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, propyl,
n-butyl, isobutyl,
sec-butyl, or
tert-butyl. Examples of suitable R
2 alkyl groups are
n-butyl, isobutyl,
sec-butyl,
tert-butyl,
n-pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, heptyl,
octyl, nonyl, decyl, and the like. Examples of the combination of R
1 and R
2, together with the carbon to which they are attached, are cyclohexyl, cyclooctyl,
cyclodecyl, cyclododecyl, 4-ethylcyclohexyl, and the like.
[0019] In order to reduce the equilibrium and/or dynamic surface tension of a water-based,
organic compound containing composition, an effective amount of one or more of the
alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic urea compounds is added. Such effective amount can range
from 0.001 to 20 g/100 mL, preferably 0.01 to 10 g/100 mL, of the water-based, organic
compound containing composition. The most effective amount will depend on the particular
application and the solubility of the particular alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic urea.
In general, it is desirable that an aqueous solution of the alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic
urea compound(s) demonstrates a dynamic surface tension of less than 45 dynes/cm at
a concentration of about 5 wt % or less in water at 23 °C and 1 bubble/second according
to the maximum-bubble-pressure method. The maximum-bubble-pressure method of measuring
surface tension is described in an article by Karol J. Myers,
Langmuir, 1986, vol. 2, pages 428-432.
[0020] A typical water-based coating formulation to which the alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic
urea surfactants of the invention may be added comprise the following components in
an aqueous medium at 30 to 80 % solids:
| Typical Water-Based Coating Formulation |
| 0 to 50 wt % |
Pigment Dispersant/Grind Resin |
| 0 to 80 wt % |
Coloring Pigments/Extender Pigments/Anti-Corrosive Pigments/Other Pigment Types |
| 5 to 99.9 wt % |
Water-Borne/Water-Dispersible/Water-Soluble Resins |
| 0 to 30 wt % |
Slip Additives/Antimicrobials/Processing Aids/Defoamers |
| 0 to 50 wt % |
Coalescing or Other Solvents |
| 0.01 to 10 wt % |
Surfactant/Wetting Agent/Flow and Leveling Agents |
| 0.01 to 5 wt % |
Alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic urea |
[0021] A typical water-based ink composition to which the alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic urea
surfactants of the invention can be added comprise the following components in an
aqueous medium at 20 to 60 % solids:
| Typical Water-Based Ink Composition |
| 1-50 wt % |
Pigment |
| 0 to 50 wt % |
Pigment Dispersant/Grind Resin |
| 0 to 50 wt % |
Clay base in appropriate resin solution vehicle |
| 5 to 99.9 wt % |
Water-borne/water-dispersible/water-soluble resins |
| 0 to 30 wt % |
Coalescing Solvents |
| 0.01 to 10 wt % |
Surfactant/Wetting Agent |
| 0.01 to 10 wt % |
Processing Aids/Defoamers/Solubilizing Agents |
| 0.01 to 5 wt % |
Alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic urea |
[0022] A typical water-based agricultural composition to which the cyclic urea surfactants
of the invention may be added would comprise the following components in an aqueous
medium at 0.01 to 80 % ingredients:
| Typical Water-Based Agricultural Composition |
| 0.1-50 wt % |
Pesticide or Plant Growth Modifying Agent |
| 0.01 to 10 wt % |
Surfactant |
| 0 to 5 wt % |
Dyes |
| 0 to 20 wt % |
Thickeners/Stabilizers/Co-surfactants/Gel Inhibitors/Defoamers |
| 0 to 25 wt % |
Antifreeze |
| 0.01 to 20 wt % |
Alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic urea |
EXAMPLE 1
[0023] This example illustrates the preparation of the reductive alkylation product of 2-(2-aminoethyl)imidazolidinone
(AEI/MIAK) which has the following structure:

[0024] 2-(2-aminoethyl)imidazolidinone (1.0 mole), methyl isoamyl ketone (0.85 mole) and
10% Pd/C (3.4 wt % of total charge) were charged to a one liter stainless steel autoclave.
The reactor was sealed and purged with nitrogen then hydrogen. The contents of the
reactor were heated to 90 °C under 7 bar (100 psig) H
2. The pressure was increased to 55 bar (800 psig) and maintained throughout the reaction
by the admission of hydrogen from a 1 gallon (3.8 liters) ballast on demand by a dome
regulator. The reactor contents were analyzed by GC/FID and found to be 77.2 area
% monoalkylated (AEI/MIAK). The product was purified by distillation at 155-160 °C
0.8 millibar (0.6 Torr).
EXAMPLE 2
[0025] This example illustrates the preparation of 2-(2-aminoethyl-2-aminoethyl)imidazolidinone
(AEAEI) by the reaction of triethylenetetraamine (TETA) with urea.

[0026] To 30 g (0.5 mole) of urea was added 292 g (2.0 mole) of triethylenetetraamine. The
mixture was heated with stirring. Ammonia evolution began around 120 °C and the temperature
was allowed to rise to 140 °C over a period of 1 hour and held there for an additional
four hours. Unreacted TETA was removed at 0.13 millibar (0.1 torr) by a short path
distillation. The crude product (71.9 g) was an off-white solid. An attempt to distill
the AEAEI led to disproportionation. Therefore, the unpurified material was used in
the making the compound of Example 3. The structure of AEAEI was verified using
13C NMR analysis.
EXAMPLE 3
[0027] This example illustrates the preparation of the reductive alkylation product of AEAEI,
from Example 2, with methyl isoamyl ketone (AEAEI/MIAK) which has the following structure:

[0028] AEAEI (0.15 mole), methyl isoamyl ketone (0.16 mole), methanol (206 mL) and 10% Pd/C
(4 wt % of total charge) were charged to a one liter stainless steel autoclave. The
reactor was sealed and purged with nitrogen then hydrogen. The contents of the reactor
were heated to 90 °C under 7 bar (100 psig) H
2. The pressure was increased to 55 bar (800 psig) and maintained throughout the reaction
by the admission of hydrogen from a 1 gallon ballast on demand by a dome regulator.
The solvent was removed
in vacuo and the unreacted methyl isoamyl ketone was removed by addition of water (50g) followed
by distillation at 60°C, 14 millibar (11 Torr)to remove the water/methyl isoamyl ketone
azeotrope. The product was found to contain 8.5 wt % water by Karl Fischer analysis.
The unpurified material was used in surface active studies.
EXAMPLE 4
[0029] This example illustrates the preparation of 3-aminopropylpropyleneurea (APPU) by
the reaction of 3,3'-diaminopropylamine with urea. To 26.0 g (0.21 mole) of urea was
added 142.7 g (1.09 mole) 3,3'-diaminopropylamine. The mixture was heated with stirring
to 130 °C then to 140°C over the next hour where it was maintained for an additional
three hours. Excess 3,3'-diaminopropylamine was removed by a short path distillation
at 75 - 80 °C and 1.3 millibar (1 torr). The white solid product was used without
further purification in Example 5.
EXAMPLE 5
[0030] This example illustrates the preparation of the reductive alkylation product of APPU
with methyl isobutyl ketone (APPU/MIBK) which has the following structure:

[0031] DAPAU (0.091 mole), methyl isobutyl ketone (0.1017 mole), methanol (208 mL) and 10%
Pd/C (4 wt % of total charge) were charged to a one liter stainless steel autoclave.
The reactor was sealed and purged with nitrogen then hydrogen. The contents of the
reactor were heated to 80 °C under 7 bar (100 psig) H
2. The pressure was increased to 55 bar (800 psig) and maintained throughout the reaction
by the admission of hydrogen from a 1 gallon (3.8 liters) ballast on demand by a dome
regulator. The reactor contents were analyzed by GC/FID and found to be 85 area %
monoalkylated DAPAU. Solvent and unreacted ketone were removed by rotary evaporation
at 55 °C and 9 torr.
EXAMPLE 6
[0032] This example illustrates the preparation of the mixture 3-aminopropyl ethyleneurea
(APEU) and 2-aminoethylpropyleneurea (AEPU) by the reaction of 3-aminopropylethylenediamine
with urea. To 37.6 g (0.63 moles) of urea was added 298 g (2.55 moles) of 3-aminopropylethylenediamine.
The mixture was heated with stirring to 120 °C then to 140 °C over the next hour where
it was maintained for an additional 2.5 hours. Excess 3-aminopropylethylenediamine
was removed by a short path distillation at 140 °C and 0.13 millibar (0.1 torr). The
product was used without further purification in Example 7. GC/FID indicated that
the product was a 1:1 mixture of APEU:AEPU.
EXAMPLE 7
[0033] This example illustrates the preparation of the reductive alkylation product of the
APEU/AEPU mixture with methyl isobutyl ketone (APEU/MIBK and AEPU/MIBK mixture) which
have the following structures:

The APEU/AEPU mixture (0.185 mole), methyl isobutyl ketone (0.2021 mole), methanol
(202 mL) and 10% Pd/C (4 wt % of total charge) were charged to a one liter stainless
steel autoclave. The reactor was sealed and purged with nitrogen then hydrogen. The
contents of the reactor were heated to 80 °C under 7 bar (100 psig) H
2. The pressure was increased to 55 bar (800 psig) and maintained throughout the reaction
by the admission of hydrogen from a 1 gallon (3.8 liter) ballast on demand by a dome
regulator. The reactor contents were analyzed by GC/FID and found to be 98 area %
monoalkylated urea.
COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 8
[0034] Dynamic surface tension data were obtained for a 0.1 wt % aqueous solution of the
9.5 mole ethoxylate of nonylphenol using the maximum-bubble-pressure method at bubble
rates from 0.1 bubbles/second (b/s) to 20 b/s. These data provide information about
the performance of a surfactant at conditions from near-equilibrium (0.1 b/s) through
extremely high surface creation rates (20 b/s). In practical terms, high bubble rates
correspond to high printing speeds in lithographic or ink-jet printing, high spray
or roller velocities in coating applications, and rapid application rates for agricultural
products.
[0035] The data in Table 1 illustrate that for a conventional surfactant such as the 9.5
mole ethoxylate of nonylphenol, the surface tension at the low surface creation rate
of 0.1 b/s is low (33.2 dyne/cm), but that the surface tension increases rapidly with
surface creation rate to 56.2 dyne/cm at 20 b/s. These data indicate that this surfactant
would not be suitable for use in high speed ink-jet or lithographic printing or rapid
application of coatings or agricultural products.
Table 1
| Dynamic Surface Tension for 9.5 mole Ethoxylate of Nonylphenol |
| |
Dynamic Surface Tension (dyne/cm) |
| concentration |
0.1 b/s |
1 b/s |
6 b/s |
15 b/s |
20 b/s |
| 0.1 wt % |
33.2 |
36.7 |
44.3 |
52.8 |
56.2 |
EXAMPLE 9
[0036] Aqueous solutions of AEI/MIAK were prepared and their surface tensions were measured
using the procedure described in comparative example 8. The results are set forth
in Table 2.
Table 2
| Surface Tension Data for AEI/MIAK |
| |
Dynamic Surface Tension (dyne/cm) |
| concentration (wt %) |
0.1 b/s |
1 b/s |
6 b/s |
15 b/s |
20 b/s |
| 0.1 |
40.5 |
45.6 |
51.8 |
56.7 |
58.1 |
| 0.5 |
29.5 |
30.8 |
33.4 |
36.9 |
38.2 |
| 1.0 |
27.1 |
27.8 |
29.1 |
32.2 |
31.0 |
| 2.0 |
26.3 |
26.4 |
28.0 |
29.1 |
29.8 |
[0037] The data show that this material has an ability to reduce the surface tension of
aqueous systems. At a use level of 0.5 wt % in water, the compound of this invention
is able to provide a surface tension below 30 dyne/cm at 0.1 b/s, and maintain a surface
tension well below 40 dyne/cm at 20 b/s. It has not previously been recognized that
alkylated aminoalkyl imidazolidones would have the ability to reduce the surface tension
of an aqueous system.
EXAMPLE 10
[0038] Aqueous solutions of AEAEI/MIAK were prepared and their surface tensions were measured
using the procedure described in comparative example 8. The data are set forth in
Table 3.
Table 3
| Surface Tension Data for AEAEI/MIAK |
| |
Dynamic Surface Tension (dyne/cm) |
| Concentration (wt %) |
0.1 b/s |
1 b/s |
6 b/s |
15 b/s |
20 b/s |
| 0.09 |
42.6 |
53.4 |
57.8 |
60.7 |
61.3 |
| 0.46 |
29.9 |
33.4 |
40.7 |
46.2 |
47.0 |
| 0.91 |
28.0 |
29.8 |
35.6 |
40.0 |
40.1 |
| 4.56 |
25.7 |
25.9 |
26.6 |
28.1 |
28.9 |
[0039] These data illustrate that an additional aminoethyl link between the alkyl group
and the cyclic urea leads to effective reduction of the surface tension of aqueous
systems. Indeed, at a 0.46 wt % use level in water, the ability of this material to
reduce surface tension is outstanding. The ability of these types of materials to
reduce the surface tension of aqueous systems has not previously been recognized.
EXAMPLE 11
[0040] Aqueous solutions of APPU/MIBK were prepared and their surface tensions were measured
using the procedure described in comparative example 8. The results are set forth
in Table 4.
Table 4
| Surface Tension Data for APPU/MIBK. |
| |
Dynamic Surface Tension (dyne/cm) |
| Concentration (wt %) |
0.1 b/s |
1 b/s |
6 b/s |
15 b/s |
20 b/s |
| 0.1 |
43.8 |
47.6 |
52.5 |
57.4 |
59.0 |
| 0.5 |
34.1 |
35.5 |
37.6 |
40.2 |
41.2 |
| 1.0 |
30.4 |
30.8 |
32.4 |
34.4 |
35.0 |
| 5.0 |
28.1 |
28.3 |
29.3 |
34.4 |
35.0 |
[0041] These data illustrate that alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic ureas incorporating a propyleneurea
rather than an ethyleneurea would be useful in the practice of this invention.
EXAMPLE 12
[0042] Aqueous solutions of the APEU/MIBK and AEPU/MIBK mixture were prepared and their
surface tensions were measured using the procedure described in comparative example
8. The results are set forth in Table 5.
Table 5
| Surface Tension Data for the APEU/MIBK and AEPU/MIBK mixture |
| |
Dynamic Surface Tension (dyne/cm) |
| Concentration (wt %) |
0.1 b/s |
1 b/s |
6 b/s |
15 b/s |
20 b/s |
| 0.1 |
59,3 |
60.4 |
60.7 |
62.0 |
62.5 |
| 0.5 |
47.6 |
48.4 |
49.6 |
51.4 |
52.1 |
| 1.0 |
37.2 |
42.6 |
44.5 |
46.3 |
47.0 |
| 5.0 |
31.0 |
31.6 |
32.2 |
34.7 |
34.8 |
These data illustrate that alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic ureas incorporating a mixture
of propyleneurea and ethyleneurea moieties would be useful in the practice of this
invention.
EXAMPLE 13
[0043] The foaming properties of 0.1 wt % solutions of N-octylpyrrolidinone, nonylphenol
9.5 mole ethoxylate, and several alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic urea surfactants of this
invention were examined using a procedure based upon ASTM D 1173 - 53. In this test,
a 0.1 wt % solution of the surfactant is added from an elevated foam pipette to a
foam receiver containing the same solution. The foam height is measured at the completion
of the addition ("Initial Foam Height") and the time required for the foam to dissipate
at the air-liquid interface ("Time to 0 Foam") is recorded. This test provides a comparison
between the foaming characteristics of various surfactant solutions. In general, in
coatings, inks, and agricultural formulations, foam is undesirable because is complicates
handling. Foam can also lead to coating and print defects and to inefficient application
of agricultural materials. The results of the foam test are presented in Table 6.

[0044] The data in Table 6 show that the known surfactants, n-octyl pyrrolidinone and 9.5
mole ethoxylate of nonylphenol (samples 1 and 2), produced a lot of foam, and the
foam which formed was persistent; i.e., initial foam height was 4.0 and 4.5 cm, respectively,
and foam height after 5 minutes was 1.0 and 3.7 cm, respectively. These materials
would have limited applicability in coating, ink, and agricultural formulations. In
contrast, the compounds of this invention (samples 3-6) produced very little foam
and the foam dissipated quickly. Initial foam height was 0.8 to 1.9 cm which dissipated
in 2 to 5 seconds. Thus, these materials have desirable properties with respect to
their use in coatings, inks and agricultural formulations.
1. A composition having the structure

wherein each of m, n, and o are independently 1 or 2, p is 0 or 1, R
1 is C
1 to C
4 linear or branched alkyl, R
2 is C
4 to C
10 linear or branched alkyl, or, alternately, CHR
1R
2 forms a C
6 to C
12 substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl.
2. The composition of claim 1 wherein m and n are each 1 and p is 0.
3. The composition of claim 1 wherein m and n are each 1, p is 0, and R1 is methyl, and R2 is isoamyl.
4. The composition of claim 1 wherein m and n are each 2, and p is 0.
5. The composition of claim 1 wherein m and n are each 2, p is 0 and R1 is methyl and R2 is isobutyl.
6. The composition of claim 1 wherein m, n, and p are each 1.
7. An aqueous composition comprising an organic material or an inorganic material in
water and an effective amount of one or more alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic urea compounds
for reducing the dynamic surface tension of the aqueous composition, wherein the one
or more alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic urea compounds have the structure:

wherein each of m, n, and o are independently 1 or 2, p is 0 or 1, R
1 is C
1 to C
4 linear or branched alkyl, R
2 is C
4 to C
10 linear or branched alkyl, or, alternately, CHR
1R
2 forms a C
6 to C
12 substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl.
8. The aqueous composition of claim 7 wherein an aqueous solution of the one or more
alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic urea compounds has a dynamic surface tension of less than
45 dynes/cm at a concentration of 5 wt % or less in water at 23 °C and 1 bubble/second
according to the maximum-bubble-pressure method.
9. The aqueous composition of claim 7 wherein, in at least one of the one or more alkylated
aminoalkyl cyclic urea compounds, m and n are each 1 and p is 0.
10. The aqueous composition of claim 7 wherein, in at least one of the one or more alkylated
aminoalkyl cyclic urea compounds, m and n are each 1, p is 0, and R1 is methyl, and R2 is isoamyl.
11. The aqueous composition of claim 7 wherein, in at least one of the one or more alkylated
aminoalkyl cyclic urea compounds, m and n are each 2, and p is 0.
12. The aqueous composition of claim 7 wherein, in at least one of the one or more alkylated
aminoalkyl cyclic urea compounds, m and n are each 2, p is 0 and R1 is methyl and R2 is isobutyl.
13. The aqueous composition of claim 7 wherein, in at least one of the one or more alkylated
aminoalkyl cyclic urea compounds, m, n, and p are each 1.
14. The aqueous composition of claim 7 wherein the dynamic surface tension is at 20 bubbles/second.
15. The aqueous composition of claim 7 wherein the aqueous composition is a coating composition
comprising 20 to 80 % components, said components comprising:
0 to 50 wt % pigment dispersant, grind resin, or mixtures thereof;
0 to 80 wt % coloring pigments, extender pigments, anti-corrosive pigments, other
pigment types, or mixtures thereof;
5 to 99.9 wt % water-borne, water-dispersible, or water-soluble resins, or mixtures
thereof;
0 to 30 wt % slip additives, antimicrobials, processing aids, defoamers, or mixtures
thereof;
0 to 50 wt % coalescing or other solvents;
0.01 to 10 wt % surfactant, wetting agent, flow and leveling agents, or mixtures thereof;
and
0.01 to 5 wt % one or more alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic urea compounds.
16. The aqueous organic containing composition of claim 7 wherein the aqueous composition
is an ink composition comprising 20 to 60 % components, said components comprising:
1 to 50 wt % pigment;
0 to 50 wt % pigment dispersant, grind resin, or mixtures thereof;
0 to 50 wt % clay base in appropriate resin solution vehicle;
5 to 99.9 wt % water-borne, water-dispersible, or water-soluble resins, or mixtures
thereof;
0 to 30 wt % coalescing solvent;
0.01 to 10 wt % surfactant or wetting agent or mixtures thereof;
0.01 to 10 wt % processing aids, defoamers, solubilizing agents, or mixtures thereof;
and
0.01 to 5 wt % one or more alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic urea compounds.
17. The aqueous organic containing composition of claim 7 wherein the aqueous composition
is an agricultural composition comprising 0.01 to 80 % ingredients, said ingredients
comprising:
0.1-50 wt % pesticide or plant growth modifying agent, or mixtures thereof;
0.01 to 10 wt % surfactant;
0 to 5 wt % one or more dyes;
0 to 20 wt % thickeners, stabilizers, co-surfactants, gel inhibitors, defoamers, or
mixtures thereof;
0 to 25 wt % antifreeze; and
0.01 to 20 wt % one or more alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic urea compounds.
18. In a method for applying a water-based composition to a surface in order to partially
or fully coat the surface, wherein the water-based composition comprises an organic
or an inorganic compound and an effective amount of a surfactant for reducing the
dynamic surface tension of the water-based composition, the improvement which comprises
using a surfactant comprising one or more alkylated aminoalkyl cyclic urea compounds
have the structure:

wherein each of m, n, and o are independently 1 or 2, p is 0 or 1, R
1 is C
1 to C
4 linear or branched alkyl, R
2 is C
4 to C
10 linear or branched alkyl, or, alternately, CHR
1R
2 forms a C
6 to C
12 substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein an aqueous solution of the one or more alkylated aminoalkyl
cyclic urea compounds has a dynamic surface tension of less than 45 dynes/cm at a
concentration of 5 wt % or less in water at 23 °C and 1 bubble/second according to
the maximum-bubble-pressure method.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein, in at least one of the one or more alkylated aminoalkyl
cyclic urea compounds, m and n are each 1 and p is 0.
21. The method of claim 18 wherein, in at least one of the one or more alkylated aminoalkyl
cyclic urea compounds, m and n are each 1, p is 0, and R1 is methyl, and R2 is isoamyl.
22. The method of claim 18 wherein, in at least one of the one or more alkylated aminoalkyl
cyclic urea compounds, m and n are each 2, and p is 0.
23. The method of claim 18 wherein, in at least one of the one or more alkylated aminoalkyl
cyclic urea compounds, m and n are each 2, p is 0 and R1 is methyl and R2 is isobutyl.
24. The method of claim 18 wherein, in at least one of the one or more alkylated aminoalkyl
cyclic urea compounds, m, n, and p are each 1.
25. The method of claim 18 wherein the dynamic surface tension is at 20 bubbles/second.